Posted by axxxr
Via: cellular-news
Samsung has been awarded a patent on a method of sending an SMS to a handset then being able to later send a "delete" command to the same phone to erase the SMS from the handset memory.
The patent is apparently aimed at people who mass broadcast messages and accidentally include incorrect people in the mailing list. We obviously can think of more probable uses for the technology - such as quickly erasing those embarrassing messages you sent the night before when rather drunk.
Unfortunately, the patent states that if the recipient had read the message, then hungover and presumably, panicky people cannot send a delete message and hope the recipient puts the message down to their imagination. Oh well
You can read the whole patent here
Posted by carkitter
I wonder if all phones are capable of recieving and acting on the delete message? The patent assumes so.
Posted by k4m!k4ze
They'd have to build new handsets which support the 'delete' command
Posted by gelfen
so if you "unsend" the text does that mean you get a credit from your service provider since for all practical purposes it was never sent?
somehow i doubt it - they'll charge for hat too
Posted by methylated_spirit
Yeah they will charge for it...still a good idea though!
Posted by vanquish
Nope, it's a silly idea. it could help criminals, peadophiles etc. etc.
Posted by gelfen
not if it don't work once the message is read. it would be like the message recall function in outlook - only works if nobody has actually seen your email
Posted by twerg
If a message is sent to my phone then its mine. I dont want any service that can remove any text at will. Its almost like theft, regardless of whether you have read it or not.
Posted by WileECoyote
This is a great idea. But, I don't know how compatible it will be because Samsung is not compatible with many handsets when it comes to SMS features (E.g., Nokia and SE picture messages and vCards are not compatible with Samsung). I hope Samsung ensures compatibility.
Posted by govigov
Good idea, but it has to develop a lot. I would like to take my number out of some of the irritating ppl's phones.